Hole 3, Par 5, 562 yards

Hole #3

So we have two par 4's behind us. That should have us all warmed up for the Par 5 in front of us.
This is a beautiful hole but it is one of the hardest one's on the course.

The fairways are very tight (meaning narrow). They are tree lined and being that it is mid summer they are full and bushy reaching in towards the middle to grab any unsuspecting ball.

I have always been told that trees are 90% air and to play your normal shot, but for me....i am generally in the 10% and nail them every time. So for today, I will do my best to avoid the 'hook' or the 'slice'.
The hook is a shot that can start off seemingly straight but turn hard left once it has left the face of the club. The slice, like its counterpart the hook, is similar but it goes hard right.

These shots appear to be great shots for about the first 75-100 yards but the spin and follow-through they are hit with greatly affect the outcome of the shot.

So too with Christianity...

When we start off we all seem to be going the direction we need to be. We are 'on fire' for Christ and pursuing His desires above our own. But as with golf shots, we need to have the right foundation and follow-through to ensure that we stay out of the rough and troubled areas as we walk this 'course' God has set us on.

Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Outwardly all we, as fellow believers, might see of another Christian (or they see of us), is that initial contact and connection with Christ. The analogy of hitting the golf shot. They see us as going straight down the middle of the narrow road (fairway).
But, what things, what obstacles have we let get near us that can pull or sway us off that road? What have we let pull us to the side where not only getting back in the fairway is the goal, but also being able to even see the goal (prize) anymore is difficult?

As with golf, life and Christianity needs to have our attention and concentration. When we get distracted with all that is going on around us and what people are saying (or even doing) we can become distracted and lose focus.
We are only here for 70 maybe 80 years but eternity lasts forever. Choose wisely and focus on your life. Those around you may depend on your choices.

...well the tee shot went ok. We stayed out of the trees and kept it in the fairway. The awesome thing about par 5's is generally you follow your first shot up with another long shot still 250-300 yards out. Just as easy to hook or slice with your 3 wood as your driver. Focus and concentration is what it is all about. You can have a lot of fun out here if you are focused on the goal and doing everything within your control to play your best.

When we get to the end, all that discipline will pay off.

Nicely played! On in three and one putt. That is a birdie and brings us to even on the day.

Next up Hole 4, Par 3, 171 yards.....